The Eyes Have It

Big Idea: A brief topical study on how eyes are mentioned often in the Bible with the issue of sight being so much more than physical.

Losing sight is hard

This summer my husband, Bob, lost clear vision in an eye while watching a movie. It was a detached retina. A very serious thing that could lead to blindness!

After emergency surgery, the healing has taken weeks with great restrictions to his life right now. His eye is getting better, but it is still not back to normal.

I had cataract surgery in February. It too was sudden. My other eye has rapidly digressed too. I will have the next cataract surgery soon!

Eye scan watercolor DWido

I’ve had headaches, no night driving and other frustration because of it.

A friend quipped, “I’ll bet you’ve been studying ‘eyes’ in the Bible.”

Well, no, I hadn’t. But I got right to it!

Turns out the Bible has a LOT to say about the eyes.

A topical study on eyes

The old-fashioned way: Look up words like “eyes” and “sight” in a concordance. Check out a Bible Dictionary or Encyclopedia. List your observations of various categories of eye usage.  

See post on How to Use Strong's Exhaustive Concordance.

See post on Topical Bible Dictionaries, printed versions.

A more modern way: Use the search feature on an electronic Bible like YouVersion or Tecarta for usage of “eyes,” “eyes lifted up,” “eyes downcast,” “sight.” Again, make observations.

See post on How can a Bible Concordance help me?  Which also has information on electronic Bible searches.   

See post on Five Bible Hub Tips for Beginners.  Point #3 is about topical resources and searches.

This method is similar to the old-fashioned way but you can add a phrase to the search more easily.

The AI way: Ask “When does the Bible say to ‘lift up your eyes?’” “What does ‘downcast eyes’ refer to in the Bible?” “What does the Bible teach about eyes?

Don’t always choose the easy way

I decided to do each one of these methods. Truth be told, I did an AI search first. It was insightful and uplifting.

This was too easy.

AI is useful but it is so necessary to know how to study the Bible on your own. It should be a lifelong craft. This is why my blog exists. To help people get into the Word of God, the Bible, on their own.

What does the Bible say about “eyes?”

The word “eye/s” occurs in the ESV (English Standard Version) 594 times. “Sight” 276 times. It is mentioned often.

 

Sometimes this refers to the physical eyes looking at something, or eyes being healed by Jesus.

“Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked.” Genesis 18:2

“Jesus laid his hands on [the man’s] eyes…” Mark 8:25.

Other times it refers to spiritual eyes. The eyes of man as well as the eyes of God.

“The eyes of your heart.” Ephesians 1:18

“For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord.” Proverbs 5:21.

Sometimes the Bible says to lift up our eyes. This is often associated with something good that God is about to do! 

It may be a physical provision, like providing Abraham with a ram. (Genesis 22:13). 

It may be a reminder to look to God to strengthen us. (Psalm 121:1-2). 

It may be for spiritual perspective. 

"Lift up your eyes and look to the fields that are ripe for harvest." (John 4:35). 

 

It sometimes suggest to look up in prayer. (John 17:1).

When the Bible talks about eyes downcast, it may be about grief, discouragement, humility or a posture of repentance. (Psalm 42:5).

Curiously the Bible often mentions the eyes to talk about the spiritual condition.

• The eye is the lamp of the body. (Matthew 6:22-23). It illuminates what we take in, what we focus on.
• A gateway for sin. Think of that children’s song “Oh be careful little eyes what you see.” (I John 2:16. Psalm 101:3)
• Arrogance is sometimes revealed in the eyes. Haughty eyes. (Proverbs 6:6-7)
• Spiritually blind eyes, vs open to God. “Open my eyes that I may see…” (Psalm 119:18)
• Limited spiritual vision on earth, heavenly understanding will be clear. (I Corinthians 13:12)

Keep searching the Scriptures!

Both Psalm 19 and Psalm119 beautifully mention the role of the eyes for reading the Bible.

“The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” Psalm 19:8 NIV

“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.” Psalm 119:15

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Previous post: AI and Bible Study 3 For Bible Study Leaders

Upcoming post: A tool to compare a verse in many Bible translations

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Reflect:
Think about how your eyes, both physically and spiritually, have had an impact on your walk with God.

· Have your eyes struggled with seeing wrong things?

· Have you noticed recently the good things God has for you?

· Has the Bible been radiant to your soul?

AI and Bible Study.3 For Bible Study Leaders

Big Idea: As a co-leader of a Bible study on an Old Testament book, here are various ways I have recently used Artificial Intelligence.

My Bible Study has been going through Old Testament books for several years. We just finished 1 and 2 Kings and are preparing to study Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther in the fall.

Each year we have 12-13 weeks in the Fall, and 18 weeks in the Spring. Most Bible study guides do not have that many weeks written out. We craft our own PowerPoint lessons and homework weekly. We use a couple of websites, mostly The Bible Project, The Bible Recap and The Spoken Gospel.

At our large church about thirty women come in person, others join online or watch later via zoom recording. Called, Reading Through the Bible, we encourage the reading the Word, even multiple times in a week. Those who attend include women mature in the faith who have studied through Bible Study Fellowship, Precept and Beth Moore classes and also women new to even opening a Bible.
 

For Practical Use

Here are three ways I have recently used AI as a Bible Study leader.

• Create a syllabus
• Create a timeline
• Research the background

Create a syllabus

We could not find a 10-11 week class for Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. We always try to include a week of welcome, connection and overview and end with a wrap up and party.

I went to an AI site, CHATGPT. I wrote:

Create an 11 week Bible study on Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther.

Labeled, “Books of the Restoration,” it included an introduction/theme. It presented a chart of 3 columns using week, chapters, theme/focus. It listed three key historical concepts.  

The first section of the AI generated template for an 11 week study of Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther

AI always offers more. It offered discussion questions, or an historic timeline. By the way you can always ask it for good discussion questions or application questions.  If you don't like it or don't think it sounds quite right, don't use it. They usually pull the questions from existing Bible studies.

CHATGPT also listed the books and YouTube videos it drew from. The books of choice and videos were ones we would approve of.

But in going over the plan, my co-leader noticed Nehemiah 7 was completely left out, which was a good reminder how important it is to verify that their information is correct. We adjusted the chapter groupings to our preference.

It inserted Esther between Ezra 6-7. We saw that was pretty accurate as to the timeline of the events.

While it was not a perfect program, we could adjust it the way we wanted to, it was a great starting point that was easier than starting from scratch to make a plan.

Create a timeline

I had a hefty amount of material to cover for a class (2 Kings 8-12) which was overwhelming with a lot of moving parts. For the teacher and the students!

My query:

Make a timeline of 2 Kings 8:7-12:21 including 2 Chronicles 22-24 showing both the Northern and Southern Kingdom of Israel and their kings.

Since this was an experiment in my early AI days, I asked this same question of the following: ChatGPT, Claude, GROK, GEMINI, Deep Seek, and Perplexity. They all covered the same type of information, but the site Perplexity seemed to have it organized the best.

Perplexity asked me:

If you’d like this turned into a printable chart with columns for scriptural references and approximate dates, tell me the Bible translation you primarily use and I’ll structure it to match your study style.

I asked it to make references using the ESV. It made such a great chart I made it into a PDF and emailed it before class, and printed it out for everyone.

Our class said that chart made all the difference for them to keep everything straight.

First part of the AI generated timeline

Research the background

This summer I have been researching the life of Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther in AI.

Here is an example of a query I started on Ezra in Gemini (Google). You will note that I am very specific.

Tell me about the life of Ezra in the Biblical book of Ezra: who he was, what he did, his family background, and other Biblical references to him outside of the book of Ezra.

AI asked me if I’d like a comparison of Ezra and Nehemiah the individuals. Since we are studying both historical figures in our class. It included a chart.

AI generated chart comparing Ezra and Nehemiah

 

Finally, I asked Gemini for more information.

Tell me about Scribes in the Old Testament. What they did, how and when the position began, did they all need to be priests, and how they compare to the NT scribes in Jesus’ day?

I could look a lot of this information up in our Bible Encyclopedia or Bible Dictionaries (I’m a pastor’s wife with a large theological library at home). AI has been a real time saver on this background information.

I also asked: 

Tell me more about the non-Jewish world powers dealing with the books of Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther in terms of timeline, nations, and world leaders.

AI included a map, and a photo of what is called the Cyrus Cylinder, an archeological find.

Keep searching the Scriptures!

AI is a tool that can help our study of the Scriptures. AI is not the Word of God, but it can stimulate us to seek and study more. Let’s be like the Bereans in the book of Acts! Keep searching the Scriptures!

And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures, day after day, to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. Acts 17:11 NLT

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Previous post: AI and Bible Study.2 For Personal Study
Upcoming post: The Eyes Have It
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Reflect:

If you had a time saver for Bible study preparation, how might you use some of that time you saved? More prayer for class? Read through the passage another time? Other ideas?

AI and Bible Study.2 For Personal Study

Big Idea:  A couple of AI sites to help you study the Bible on your own.



Artificial Intelligence (AI). Just the name of it, “Artificial Intelligence” sounds problematic. “Artificial” sounds fake.

In the Bible, Jesus (Matthew 7:15), Paul (2 Timothy 4:3-4), and Peter (2 Peter 2:1) warn us not to be duped by fake teaching. AI uses massive information and algorithms to organize information. There are sometimes mistakes. It gives you what you ask for, not just the truth.

Google and other search engines require attention to the information we receive too. We must always process and evaluate what we read for accuracy and truth.

Be diligent to know the Word of God. Always invite the Holy Spirit to guide Bible study.

It is the same with AI. Keep alert. Use your discerning mind. Use what you know of the Bible to be your guideline for truth. And always tune in to the Holy Spirit.

SECULAR AI SITES

Platforms have a massive amount of all kinds of information.

These include both contemporary and classical books, all versions of the Bible, as well as books, articles, sermons, and blogs by Christian authors. Yes, even on the secular AI sites, they are AI resources for us.

Secular platforms with chatbot interfaces include: Microsoft-Copilot. Google-Gemini, OpenAI-ChatGPT, xAI (Elon Musk) GROK, Anthropic-Claude, etc.

The secular ones I use most personally are Gemini, ChatGPT and Copilot.

SOME CHRISTIAN AI SITES

Most Christian AI sites are not their own platform. Some Christian AI sites are in cooperation with the platforms already designed. They add their own parameters and Christian content sources.

Here are a couple of Bible AI sites I have reviewed.

BIBLE AI

Bible.ai is completely based on the Bible as the primary source using the NASB20 (New American Standard Bible 2020) version. It answers questions from the Bible and helps you study. It also has a digital Bible where you can highlight, put in questions and insights, etc and then save your progress by having a free account.

It is totally free.

A few things it suggests for using a purely Bible AI site:

• Create a study plan for the Bible  
• Word searches comparing translations
• Finding verses with key words
• Summarizing a book, chapter or section of Scripture
• Extracting a main topic or theme of a chapter or book
• Generating study questions for a given text

These are good possibilities for any AI search of the Bible. You can always ask any search to use a specific translation or ask for a translation comparison.  

It is important to note that AI sites are constantly changing and hopefully improving.  Since I started posting this blog today the Bible.ai site updated to introducing the app instead of an online version.  

Just like that!

BIBLEGPT

BibleGPT harnesses GPT 4 AI and partners with other sites I trust; Gotquestions.org (which I use often), pulpit commentaries and OpenBible.info. In comparing the same prompt to both ChatGPT and BibleGPT, I found similar answers, but BibleGPT’s interactions assumes you want a Christian perspective. They don’t answer questions not faith based. 

It is totally free.

It has an affirming, natural sounding interface that builds one up in the faith. I love my interactions with it.

LOGOS BIBLE STUDY APP

Logos Bible Study app has been known for decades as the digital standard in Bible study. It is used by pastors, theologians and other serious students of the Bible. Some of their programs are expensive but they have a free version that includes the Faithlife Study Bible and some other free resources.

They have built AI into their search feature, known as SMART SEARCH. They disclose when their response is AI generated. It is very helpful. They have an article on Using AI Tools for Smarter Bible Study. 

I have had not spent much time using their AI search feature yet.

TIPS FOR BIBLE STUDY AI

1. Craft a specific prompt or query. For instance, I began an AI study asking “Compare Simeon and Anna in Luke 2:25-38 using the ESV: who they are and what they reveal about Jesus”. (At secular AI sites I like to specify a reliable, accurate version such as ESV or NASB).

2. Interact and learn more from their suggestions regarding the text or topic Biblically. They often suggest "would you like to learn more about ________"   or "do you want a comparison of________"

3. Research a specific word. I asked AI to tell me more about the word “devout” about Simeon in Luke 2;25. You can also explore what it means in the original langauge. I then asked, “Where else does the Bible use the term ‘devout’”? I was so blown away by the insights, I stopped, put my head in my hands and prayed.

4. Meditate on verses or a phrase from the Bible generated insights in your search.

5. Go back to the Bible. I was having so much fun asking questions of AI I became convicted to get back to the Bible itself. Always keep the Bible primary and don’t let your time get sucked into AI.

6. Labels for keeping track. I copy the useful interactions into a word document. I label it starting with “AI” followed by the AI source and then the subject. For instance, AI BIBLEGPT SIMEON AND ANNA. In my MS Word document, I include my prompt/query used. It also keeps a record of your querys and chain of questions. In most programs you can delete them later.

This is helpful when I want to use a previous AI search for further study. When I want to share with others, I want to give credit to the source.

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 ESV

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Previous post: AI and the Bible.1
Upcoming post: AI and the Bible.3 For Bible Study Leaders
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Reflect:

Take a moment to meditate on AI in light of our closing verse:

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 ESV

                                                                                                       

AI and Bible Study.1

 

AI and Bible Study

Big Idea: An introduction to Artificial Intelligence, AI, and its value as a tool for Bible study while understanding necessary cautions.


Artificial Intelligence, AI, is taking the world by a storm. But it is so new, how should Christians consider it?

Is there a place for it for Bible study? 

Yes. But there are a few things you should know.

About AI

- AI is a massive collection of data (statistics, records, articles, books, music etc.) that uses algorithms to sort the data and respond to queries.

- AI is managed by various platforms. It is expensive to gather the data and set up the programming. It also takes tons of electricity and storage space.

- Platforms develop a chatbot interface. Examples: Microsoft-Co-pilot. Google-Gemini, OpenAI-ChatGPT, xAI (Elon Musk) GROK, Anthropic-Claude, etc.

- AI Chatbots have different approaches. Some are conversational. Some are research focused, with rigid scripts. Others are designed for artistic flare.

- AI chatbot subscriptions can be expensive and are not necessary for most of us. However, one can ask most chatbots a couple of queries a day for free.

-  AI is a tool. It is not an emerging lifeform!

- AI is changing so fast, guardrails and ethical concerns need to be addressed.

How AI is helpful in Bible study:

· Find information quickly. A Bible verse. A cross reference.

· Organize information quickly. For example: Summarize the twelves disciples. List the kings of Israel and Judah, their reign and effectiveness. Ask the theme of each book of the Bible. AI usually credits where they gathered the information.

· Outline a book of the Bible.

· Translate content into another language so more people can understand it.

· Summarize a book about Bible study, like Eugene Peterson’s book, Eat this book.

· Create a chart or graphic on the Kings of Judah, the Minor prophets, etc.

· Compare Bible translations for a verse or passage.

· Learn the historical context of a passage.

· For original language word studies.

Remember:

· Study your passage of Scripture first before consulting AI.

· Remember AI is not all-knowing. It is only as useful as the data it has.

· Practice asking AI good questions being clear, telling it the details you want.

· Always fact check.

· Stay connected to people. AI is not a substitute for the Body of Christ.

· AI has no moral starting point. It may contain bias. AI usually indicates its sources. Check the source if you don’t recognize it.

· AI’s goal is to give a plausible answer, not to be right or theologically correct. Use with prayer. Check with other believers if something doesn’t sound right.

· When teaching or writing, always credit where you get your information. Do not plagiarize. That does not honor God.

 

Last Word

AI is a powerful tool at our disposal. People have questioned new technology since the printing press. God enables us to use tools for His glory.

Next month we will examine specific chatbots, as well as some designed for Bible related study.  I'll make suggestions for practice and share some of my experiences.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8 ESV

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Previous post: Remembering Easter
Upcoming post: AI and Bible Study.2 For Personal Study
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Reflect:

Take a moment to meditate on AI in light of our closing verse:

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

Remembering Easter

Big Idea: Multiple ideas for reflection for the week before Easter to remember what Jesus has accomplished on our behalf.



Usually during Lent I prepare my heart, reflecting on the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Not this year. Ash Wednesday came and went acknowledged, but with no plan. Responsibilities filled my thoughts and my time.

I barely kept up with life. Reading and personal prayer felt like dog paddling except for a daily morning meditation that I love.

I want to make this sacred week matter to me and pass on my ideas.

Easter Week Menu

My intent by showing a menu is to present choices. We all have limited time. I do, but I want to take some time intentionally to think about the gravity and following joy of this special week. So take time to decide as you read through these options, what works for you with your time right now, this week. The Lord is excited for you to show up.

Click to open and read it better.
Right click to save the image.

One Verse Meditation

Take one verse about Jesus’ death and resurrection and mull on it every day this week. With sticky notes post it on your mirror, in your car, on your phone, etc.

Consider a verse here or choose one yourself.

He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as He said would happen. Come, see where His body was lying. Matthew 28:6 NLT

He himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed. I Peter 2:24 ESV

Read the Story

Read two chapters about the crucifixion and the resurrection. Mark 15-16.

Read three chapters. Matthew 26-28. Luke 22-24.

John’s Gospel is a nine chapter reading which includes Jesus’ teachings at the Last Supper and His prayer for us. John 13-21.

Consider reading one Gospel account and re-reading it every day leading up to Easter or rotating Gospels. Saturate yourself with the story.\

My Easter Playlists

Make or listen to an Easter playlists. I have made three public Easter playlists on YouTube. Choose one or two of them to listen to the week before Easter. Listen on a walk. Listen in the car. Listen while you work in the yard or the kitchen. They are all about Easter. Or make a playlist of your own on YouTube or from your own music library.

Easter Contemporary Playlist

Good Friday Hymns

Easter Morning Hymns

Bible Project Easter Week Devotional

Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday Devotional from The Bible Project. Here is what Bible Project wrote about it. 

Easter remembers more than one man’s resurrection. It celebrates a worldwide revolution of love that Jesus and his friends started during Holy Week, the days just before his crucifixion. In this eight-day plan, you'll find BibleProject animated videos, commentary, and reflection questions that help you explore how Easter is about resurrection life for Jesus and for all creation.

 You can find it on Bible.com Bible Project / Holy Week and Easter  or in your YouVersion app.

Remember what Jesus did

It is so easy to get caught up in life and show up Easter morning worried about the Easter dinner, potential family interactions or what everyone else is wearing.

Easter is a day to remember Jesus.

The word “remember” is often used in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, to help the people of God remember who God is and what He has done.

Easter is a day to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for our sin and His victory over sin and death!

Remember!

This is My body, broken for you

Do this in remembrance of Me

This bread I break, given for you

So now as often as you eat

Remember Me, Remember Me

Aaron Shust lyrics

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Previous post: No Speeding
Upcoming post: AI and Bible Study.1
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Reflect:


What is your favorite thing about the spiritual side of celebrating Easter? Is there a special service leading up to Easter you appreciate? Is there something that thrills you Easter morning at your church? What would you like to spend more time reflecting on?

No Speeding

Big Idea: Slowing down while reading a Bible verse gives time to meditate and hold on to a thought throughout the day.



Cause me to understand… Wait. Diane. Slow down. Think about that! The Psalmist is asking God to help him have understanding of the Bible. Wow. Good thought! I should hold on to that.

I had just started a book of devotions and that day’s reading featured Psalm 119:27-32.

I often speed through Bible passages

True confession. In my class preparations I read long passages in one sitting. Last year I did a read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year. I feel sometimes like I’m speeding through Bible passages at 80 miles per hour trying to get through it and get on with my day.

This year I want focus. I want less quantity and more reflection.

The whole of Psalm 119:27 reads, Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.

I paused firstly at Cause me to understand… but as I moved on to the way of your precepts I found myself pausing again. I see this phrase all the time in the Psalms. Have I ever stopped to think about it?

The way of your precepts. The way. It’s like a path or a road. It requires a journey, a way we ought to go. Hmmm. That is worth reflecting on.

Sit on it

I decided to sit with just these two thoughts. I’d reflect on more tomorrow.

I noticed the second part of the verse mentions meditate, which is what this is.

My January blog mentioned my meditation tiles. I like to take a verse like this and make a tile. On my phone, I pull it out when walking, in a grocery store line, or at an appointment waiting.

Ways to meditate on a verse

1. Read Purposefully. Slow down and read a sentence or phrase. Not every sentence in the Bible brings meditation thoughts, but the Psalms are full of them. The teachings of Jesus and Paul are too.

2. One word. Take one word for emphasis at a time.

THE way of your precepts. Yup, it is the singular best way.

The WAY of your precepts. The way, the path, the way the truth and the life, right?

The way of YOUR precepts. Who does it belong to? Who is “your”? Oh, God. Right. It’s all about Him.

The way of your PRECEPTS. Not to sound like a thesaurus but… Instructions. Guidebook. Manual for Life. Commandments. Oh, like the 10 commandments and so much more!

3, Visual reminder. You might put it on a sticky note. A meditation tile. In your planner for today.

4. Imagine. Visualize yourself with Jesus telling you. Or the Psalmist. Imagine asking if he’s made a song to this thought. Ask yourself, can I make up a song for myself? You’re not planning on getting a Dove award. It’s for you and the Lord.

5. Apply. Mull on it in your life situation. Why does it matter? How does it help?

6. Pray. Do you have a burning question about it? Pray for wisdom.

7. Other versions of the Bible. Consider reading it in a couple of versions for a fresh view. Maybe another version gives another facet to this diamond.

Slow down

Slow down. Keep it in your heart. Reflect. Remind. Rest.

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Previous post: My Meditation Tiles
Upcoming post: Remembering Easter

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Reflect:


Take time to reflect on this yourself today. Or choose a different verse. Practice meditation on the Word of God.

Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. Psalm 119:2

 

My Meditation Tiles

Big Idea: Diane uses the YouVersion online Bible to make meditation tiles as a tool to reflect on the Scriptures.



I am a visual learner. I like having a poster, card or even a post-it note to remember a Biblical concept.

Learning to meditate is something our society does not seem to value. Or it may be tied up in relaxation techniques or New Age rituals.

The Bible mentions meditation quite a few times.

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8 NLT

Like a dog with a bone

I grew up with a family dog. When the Sunday roast had a juicy bone, that went to the dog.  We all knew better than to try to take it way from him. He’d spend hours licking and gnawing on it.

The word for “meditate” in Hebrew in the Old Testament is the word “Hagah.” The word is sometimes used in ancient Israel for the way a lion relishes and gnaws on a bone.

The idea transferred to meditation on God’s word is to gnaw on it and relish it. Go over and over it trying to get all you can from it. It is a process of appreciation.

 

I highly recommend a book by Eugene Peterson on the concept of devouring the Word of God and meditating on it.  It is called "Eat this book."  He explains in the first chapter of the book the concept of "Hagah."

How I made verses for meditation 

I discovered I could use the app associated with YouVersion of the Bible to create my own image to use for mediation.

1. Keep the background simple.

2. Don’t feel you need to copy the entire verse. Use a phrase or section that strikes you.

3. Use a version you really like. I use New Living Translation for my meditation time.

4. Make the font large and simple.

5. Have a good contrast between the background and letters. Either light with dark or dark with light.

6. Keep it with your phone photos. Pull it out when on a walk or stuck waiting somewhere like the doctor’s office.

Do it Yourself

Here is how you can make this yourself.

1. Go to YouVersion and click on the verse you want to make. It will have a dotted underline.

 

2. At the bottom of the page is a menu. Find “Image.”

 

3. It will offer you background images they already have. Choose something simple. Or you can use your own photo. Also, sometimes it is helpful to blur the background.

4. It will center it. You can take out part of the verse. You can also adjust size, borders, change font, etc.

5. I often take a screenshot of the finished tile, frame it and keep it with my photos.

 

6. Meditate on it as you go.

 

Here is an example of a bunch of tiles I made for our class when we studied Deuteronomy.

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Previous post:  Advent post: Son of David

Next post: No Speeding

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Reflect:



Is there a topic you tend to obsess over? Is there a way to train yourself to meditate on the Bible instead? Make a tile and try it out today.

 

Son of David

Big Idea: God's promise to King David of the Old Testament is in sync with Jesus of Bethlehem.


Scripture Spy has been silent this year in part due to my health restraints. Even so, I and my co-leader Tress keep teaching a weekly women’s Bible study. 

We've been studying through the Old Testament. I Samuel in the Spring of 2025 and this Fall 2025, II Samuel. 

Who is the key Bible character in both books? David.

David

David, shepherd boy.

David, Goliath killer.

David, Bathsheba’s husband killer.

David, King of Israel.

David, writer of Psalms.

David, man after God's heart.

We had David saturation: The good, the bad and the ugly.

The Bible in Sync

As the Bible Project guys like to say, the Bible is a unified story that leads to Jesus.

The stories and truths about God in the Old Testament and New Testament are in sync.  After all, the author of it all is the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). 

Recently our Bible study reviewed I and II Samuel and had a Christmas party. We asked for stories how their studies had an impact on them.

Son of David  

Diane and Gail at the party!

Gail Herwerden in our class was impacted this Christmas. It is told with permission.

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As I began my reading for the Advent season this year the references to the SON OF DAVID jumped out at me in a new way after studying 2 Samuel this Fall. So I did a bit of study and came up with these few scriptures...

Some Christmas scriptures highlighting Jesus as the Son of David

Matthew 1:1-15. The genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham, establishing His royal lineage.

Matthew 1:1 “This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham.”

Luke 2:11 "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (KJV).]

2 Samuel 7:12-16 God's promise to David that his descendant would establish an everlasting kingdom, a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus.

2 Samuel 7:13,16 “He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever…Your house and your kingdom will endure forever…your throne will be established forever.”

Luke 1:32-33  The angel tells Mary, "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end" (ESV).

AND THEN if that was not enough :) ... the references to "Joseph son of David"

“‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’)” (Matthew 1:20-23).

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary…she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son…”(Luke 2:4-6).

I have new eyes for this connection between the King David we studied and the Lord Jesus, the KING!

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Thank you Gail!

Wherever you are in your journey studying the Bible, ask God to give you fresh eyes to see the correlations, the connections and the God who is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Merry Christmas!

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Upcoming post: My Meditation Tiles
Previous post: Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee  (after one year of no blog posts)
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Reflect:

Can you think of an example of an Old Testament concept in sync with the New Testament?

For example:. Compare Psalm 51:2 with Hebrews 10:22

Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

 

Big Idea: Diane found great Christmas joy when husband’s favorite hymn was coupled with a carol, ”Joy to the World.”

This advent Diane would like to reflect on Christmas songs that meant something special to her at different stages of life.

Married Christmas

When you get married you share about yourself and you learn about the history of the person you married. I never married till I was 39 years old.

My husband-to-be wanted “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” as a hymn sung at our wedding. Over and over in our married life I have observed how this song has been his beacon.

Joyful, joyful, we adore You,

God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow'rs before You,
Op'ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!







Here are the times of his life when this song has been sung.

• At his first wedding
• At his first wife’s funeral
• At his father’s funeral
• At our wedding
• At his mother’s funeral
• At his retirement ceremony

In planning last wishes, he wants this song sung at his funeral. In life and in death, this song grounds him.

A few years ago during a Christmas service at our church, we sang “Joy to the World.” All of a sudden they threw in “Joyful, joyful we adore thee.” I loved it and was surprised at the twist.

I looked up at my husband and got tears in my eyes.

I discovered Phil Wickman wrote the mash up of songs and released it with Shane and Shane in 2018. Thank you, Phil.

 
I have always loved the song and lyrics, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come.” To add adoration to the Lord follows the beautiful hymn, “Joyful, joyful we adore Thee.”

Again, the reason for the season. Joy!

Earlier this month we were on a Caribbean cruise. At a guest led Sunday service, I agreed to lead in a song or two and give a short devotional. I wanted to share about joy as the second Sunday of Advent.

Always be joyful. I Thessalonians 5:16

The hymnal available that day had “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” following “Joy to the World” in the Christmas section of the hymnal.

As we started singing together something was wrong. The words.

They were Christmas words! How amazing is that? We followed with the first verse so many of us already know but it was so sweet to see those Christmas words!

Joyful, joyful we adore thee, God of glory Lord of light

Angels lifting praise before you, Sing throughout this holy night

In a manger lies a baby, son of Mary, son of God

Voices joined in joyful chorus, praise you for your gift of love.

May you have a joyous Christmas as you reflect on the coming of Jesus.

Here is a link to my Nativity Village that I have been adding to for 24 years.  The song in the background, Joy to the world.

Diane’s Nativity Village

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Previous Post: Noël, Jésus est né!

Next. Post: Son of David (after one year with no posts)

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Reflect:

Is this Christmas one that easily gives you joy, or are you walking through a dark time? Reflect on what the hope and peace knowing Jesus can give and how it may lead you to joy.

Noël, Jésus est né!

 

Big Idea: Diane loves a beautiful Christmas Carol in French that she learned while working in Africa.

This advent Diane would like to reflect on Christmas songs that meant something special to her at different stages of life.

A West African Christmas

Christmas at 75 degrees.

Christmas in West Africa showed me Christmas is celebrated beyond culture, beyond geography. It is about remembering that Jesus was sent to this world.

I worked during a 10 year time span as a nurse and Bible instructor in Guinea, West Africa at the Telekoro Bible Institute. I lived on a campus with several other teaching staff and about 50 students enrolled in pastoral education.

I loved the children! Our pastors in training were often married with young children who were delightful. “Mademoiselle! Mademoiselle!” They’d chant, as I came to their place.

Christmas under the palm trees

Christmas was celebrated in Guinea on Christmas Eve, and Christmas morning in church, which was actually a rather chilly time of year. It was the start of dry season.

The afternoon was spent with a big African meal with classroom tables put end to end under the palm trees lining our campus.

In the evening we sang Christmas songs in their national language to dancing in a circle; the African gourd keeping the beat.

Noël, Jésus est né!

My favorite song from France, sang as hymn, was a great children’s melody. It reminded me of American kids singing “Away in a manger.”

Here are the words by Jaques Blocher with a rough English translation.

 

Here is a link to an online choir singing this beautiful song.

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Previous post: Handel's Messiah 
Upcoming post: Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee

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Reflect:

Have you an experience of Christmas in another country, culture or place of very different from what you have previously known? How might that cause you to reflect on the real meaning of Christmas?

Handel's Messiah

Big Idea: Diane reflects on her growing love of “The Messiah” during her college days.

This advent Diane would like to reflect on Christmas songs that meant something special to her at different stages of life.

You Learn Stuff at College

I enjoyed my high school and college friendships. Those days of youthful glee never come again.

I went to University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with opportunities to go attend plays, concerts, lectures and other life enhancing experiences.

One of the events I attended was the Christmas portion of “Handle’s Messiah” with a sing-a-long. I don’t remember who I went with but I remember the joy of the experience.

In high school I played a piano duet in a competition playing the Hallelujah Chorus. Having spent high school years playing song on the piano, playing the violin in an orchestra, singing in choirs, attending this event in a large auditorium was exhilarating!

“Hallelujah”

College is a time for learning, even at events. I learned everyone stands immediately at the first note of the Hallelujah Chorus.

The legend is that George Frederick Handel, who wrote the piece in 24 days, and financially supported by King George II. It is said when the king heard it for the first time he stood at the Hallelujah Chorus.

The words in it include “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” It is thought that King George II recognized Jesus the Messiah is above even him.

Queen Elizabeth once said in a Christmas message,

Whatever role or position we hold in this life, may we always devote ourselves to serve and bow to Him, “He who is the blessed and only Sovereign King of kings and Lord of lords.” 1 Timothy 6:15 (NASB)  Queen Elizabeth's Christmas address 2000

After college I moved to New York City to work at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center for a couple of years.

"The words pierced my heart"

At my church on 68th Street in Manhattan I recall chatting with the choir director that I love the choral work, “The Messiah.” This talented professional on Broadway told me how the words of Handle’s Messiah affected her.

“As I memorized the words to sing the choral piece, they pierced my heart. I was in a dark place. The words of the songs were powerful about my need for a mighty God to forgive me and give me peace. It changed my life.”

The Bible word for word

The choral pieces alternate between the Old Testament and the New Testament telling the story of Jesus.

It is from the King James Bible different from our language today but poetically beautiful.

Here is a Christmas thought from the Accompagnato (for bass voice)

“For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” (Isaiah 60, vv.2–3 KJV)

If you have the chance to hear parts of Handel’s Messiah this Christmas, reflect on the meaning of the powerful words you are hearing.



Check out a little bit of background and the Bible References at this blog site by Haven Ministries.

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Previous post: Do you worship the babe in the manger?
Upcoming post: Noël, Jésus est né!

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Reflect:

1. Have you ever been to a concert of Handle’s Messiah or sang in the chorus? Did the words have any effect on you at the time?

2. Reflect a moment on how Jesus is light? He himself said in John 8:12 NLT “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

 

 

 

Do You Worship the Babe in the Manger?

Big Idea: Diane sang in church as a 6 year old, “Do you worship the babe in the manger?”

This advent Diane would like to reflect on Christmas songs that meant something special to her at different stages of life.

That curly haired little girl

Though I am an introvert, I willingly sang special music in church as a little girl. 

My mom coached me and played the piano. I memorized the song and she taught me to enunciate the words clearly.


I recall at Christmas being decked in a velvet dress with curly hair. Surely I had pink sponge curlers put into my hair overnight as my hair was straight and thick.

Once after singing, an old man shook my little hand in his massive dry grip and pressed a nickel into mine.

“Never stop singing,” he whispered.

Heavy lyrics for a 6 year old

My mother liked this Christmas song she taught me. I still have it memorized. The song explains:

The Babe in the manger was God’s only Son,
Who came to the world to die.
The Babe in the manger could never have done
The work of His God on high.

The Babe left the manger and went to the Cross
To pay the wages of sin.
Your way of forgiveness is not by the Babe,
But the Christ who died for your sin. -W.S. and Mildred Dillion

It explains “the reason for the season.”

In my house Santa was a fun story but Jesus was the real thing. The story of Jesus’ love was significant to every part of our life.

At 6 years old I recall praying alone at my bedside one night to be forgiven for my sins, which a precocious six year old knows she has, and asked Him to be my Lord. I’ve never regretted it.

From glorious heaven to a humble place

My father liked Philippians 2:1-6 NLT which explains Jesus emptying Himself of His heavenly glory and becoming a helpless infant, to ultimately later in His life die for our sins on the cross; risen to glory again.

This passage illuminates one of my Dad’s favorite Christmas hymns, “Out of the ivory palaces into a world of woe, only His great eternal love made my Savior go.”

He gave up his divine privileges;

he took the humble position of a slave

and was born as a human being.

When he appeared in human form,

he humbled himself in obedience to God

and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:7-8 NLT

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Previous post: 3 Ways to show kindness this Thanksgiving

Next post: Handel's Messiah

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Reflect:

1. What would you say is “the reason for the season” of Christmas?

2. Can you see a connection between Christmas and Easter? Explain how you perceive it.

3 Ways to Show Kindness This Thanksgiving

Big Idea: Boaz showed kindness to Ruth though a mean spirit was the norm in his day which inspires us this Thanksgiving.

Kindness in Mean Times

This fall I’ve been studying the book of Judges in the Bible. It is a dark book where all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. Judges 21:25 NLT

It shows lies and deception, abuse of women, betrayal and murder. It is hard to understand how God puts up with these people!

Those God speaks to, such as Gideon and Samson, are very imperfect. God’s patience with them is amazingly merciful.

Enter Boaz and Ruth

Ruth takes place in the time period of the book of Judges.

Ruth is a foreigner. During famine she lost her father-in-law and her husband. She unfathomably chose to move to Israel with her mother-in-law instead of going back home.

Why was that? She chose to stay with her mother-in-law who was bitter about everything!

One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.” Ruth 2:2 NLT

She went not as a hired worker but one grabbing little pieces of grain left behind.

The field she went to belonged to a wealthy landowner named Boaz. His visit to the fields tells their legendary encounter.

5 Then Boaz asked his foreman, “Who is that young woman over there? Who does she belong to?”

6 And the foreman replied, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi. 7 She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since, except for a few minutes’ rest in the shelter.”

8 Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. 9 See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.”

10 Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.”

11 “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. 12 May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”

13 “I hope I continue to please you, sir,” she replied. “You have comforted me by speaking so kindly to me, even though I am not one of your workers.” Ruth 2:5-13 NLT

We can glean three thanksgiving lessons of kindness from Boaz.

Three Ways to Show Kindness This Thanksgiving

1. Greet everyone kindly.

At Thanksgiving someone could be of a vastly different background. Someone may have voted differently than the rest of the family. Maybe someone is just out of prison.

Boaz greeted his workers kindly (Ruth 2:4) and was kind to Ruth knowing she was a foreigner.

2. Show interest in another’s story

Engage with others at your Thanksgiving gathering. Learn people’s story by asking kind questions of interest, but not controversial in nature.

Learn something that makes someone tick who is vastly different from you. Learn something about the childhood or youth of an aging relative.

Boaz asked good questions about Ruth that helped him understand (Ruth 5:4-5,11 NLT).

 

3. Be kind and helpful

Showing kindness by helping someone might be as simple as:

• Taking the coat or carrying the plate for an aging or disabled person.
• Learn about someone’s issue that would be easy for you to do, and offer your help.
• If someone is struggling to make ends meet you can send extra food home with them.
• If someone’s car is on the fritz you might look at it together.
• Perhaps others are ganging up on someone in the family with bullying accusations and you can diffuse the conversation or divert it. Say something kind about them. Stand up to a bully.

Boaz told the guys not to mistreat Ruth (Ruth 2:9 NLT) and provided extra food for her anonymously (Ruth 2:15-16 NLT).

Glean lessons of kindness from this ancient story when everyone seemed self focused and selfish.

Boaz wasn’t. We can learn from him.

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Previous post: How do other religious books compare to the Bible?

Upcoming post: Do you worship the babe in the manger?

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Reflect:

1. Is there someone usually at family gathering that you avoid? Who is it and why do you avoid that person?

2. Reflect now to be intentional giving a kind word or action toward that person when you see them. It does not have been a long conversation. It might be without words you are obviously kind.